Athletic Performance Tests Research Articles

Body Oxygen Level Test (BOLT) is not associated with exercise performance in highly-trained individuals.

The analysis of chemoreflex and baroreflex sensitivity may contribute to optimizing patient care and athletic performance. Breath-holding tests, such as the Body Oxygen Level Test (BOLT), have gained popularity as a feasible way to evaluate the reflex control over the cardiorespiratory system. According to its proponents, the BOLT score reflects the body's sensitivity to carbon dioxide and homeostasis disturbances, providing feedback on exercise tolerance. However, it has not yet been scientifically validated or linked with exercise performance in highly-trained individuals. Therefore, we investigated the association of BOLT scores with the results of standard performance tests in elite athletes. A group of 49 speedskaters performed BOLT, Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT), and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a cycle ergometer. Peak power, total work, and power drop were measured during WAnT. Time to exhaustion and maximum oxygen uptake were measured during CPET. Spearman's rank correlation and multiple linear regression were performed to analyze the association of BOLT scores with parameters obtained during the tests, age, somatic indices, and training experience. No significant correlations between BOLT scores and parameters obtained during WAnT and CPET were found, r(47) = -0.172-0.013, p = 0.248-0.984. The parameters obtained during the tests, age, somatic indices, and training experience were not significant in multiple linear regression (p = 0.38-0.85). The preliminary regression model showed an R 2 of 0.08 and RMSE of 9.78sec. Our findings did not demonstrate a significant relationship between BOLT scores and exercise performance. Age, somatic indices, and training experience were not significant in our analysis. It is recommended to interpret BOLT concerning exercise performance in highly-trained populations with a great degree of caution.

Lower extremity movement quality in professional team sport athletes: Inter-rater agreement and relationships with quantitative results from the corresponding pattern

BackgroundAdequate movement control and quality can be prerequisite functions for performance of the lower extremity. The purposes of our work were 1) to explore the agreement of an efficient test battery assessing qualitative movement execution and 2) to determine its consistency with quantitative performance tests from the corresponding movement pattern.MethodsThe participants were professional male association football players competing in the first German Bundesliga. They performed four movement quality tests (Single-limb balance squat, Balance forward hop, Balance side hop, Balance 90° rotation hop) and the corresponding performance tests (Y-balance test, Forward hop for distance, Side hop test, Square hop test). Qualitative tests were judged by two experienced raters; the ratings were compared to determine inter-rater agreement using Kappa statistics. The relationship with the quantitative tests was determined using Spearman’s rank correlations.ResultsThirty participants (19 to 33 years old) were included in this study. We found an at least substantial level of agreement (Cohen’s Kappa, 0.64-0.84) with an excellent percentage of exact (83-93%) agreement between the two raters for the movement quality tests. Our findings revealed that the quantitative test results are only slightly related to the movement quality outcomes (ρ(27) <|0.3| and P > 0.2).ConclusionsConsequently, the qualitative test results provide unique information and complement corresponding quantitative performance tests in professional football athletes. Their observational judgement of foot position, lower limb alignment and upper body control in sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes is agreeable.

The relationships between ACTN3 rs1815739 and PPARA-α rs4253778 gene polymorphisms and athletic performance characteristics in professional soccer players

BackgroundCurrent research on athletic performance focuses on genetic variants that contribute significantly to individuals’ performance. ACTN3 rs1815739 and PPARA-α rs4253778 gene polymorphisms are variants frequently associated with athletic performance among different populations. However, there is limited research examining the pre-and post-test results of some variants of athletic performance in soccer players. Therefore, the presented research is to examine the relationships between the ACTN3 rs1815739 and PPARA-α rs4253778 gene polymorphisms and athletic performance improvement rates in adaptations to six weeks of training in elite soccer players using some athletic performance tests.MethodologyTwenty-two soccer players between the ages of 18 and 35 voluntarily participated in the study. All participants were actively engaged in a rigorous six-day-a-week training program during the pre-season preparation period. Preceding and following the training program, a battery of diverse athletic performance tests was administered to the participants. Moreover, Genomic DNA was extracted from oral epithelial cells using the Invitrogen DNA isolation kit (Invitrogen, USA), following the manufacturer’s protocol. Genotyping was conducted using real-time PCR. To assess the pre- and post-test performance differences of soccer players, the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was employed.ResultsUpon analyzing the results of the soccer players based on the ACTN3 genotype variable, it was observed that there were no statistically significant differences in the SJ (Squat Jump), 30m sprint, CMJ (Counter Movement Jump), and DJ (Drop Jump) performance tests (p > 0.05). However, a statistically significant difference was identified in the YOYO IRT 2 (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2) and 1RM (One Repetition Maximum) test outcomes (YOYO IRT 2: CC, CT, and TT, p = 0.028, 0.028, 0.008, 0.000, respectively; 1RM: CC, CT, and TT, p = 0.010, 0.34, 0.001, respectively). Regarding the PPARA-α genotype variable, the statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in the SJ, 30m sprint, CMJ, and DJ performance tests (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, a statistically significant difference was observed in the YOYO IRT 2 and 1RM test results (YOYO IRT 2: CC, CG p = 0.001, 0.020; 1RM: CC, p = 0.000)ConclusionsThe current study demonstrated significant enhancements in only YOYO INT 2 and 1RM test outcomes across nearly all gene variants following the six-day-a-week training program. Other performance tests, such as the 30m sprint, SJ, CMJ, and DJ tests did not exhibit statistically significant differences. These findings contribute novel insights into the molecular processes involving PPARA-α rs4253778 and ACTN3 rs1815739 that underpin enhancements in endurance (YOYO INT 2) and maximal strength (1RM) aspects of athletic performance. However, to comprehensively elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the association between these polymorphisms and athletic performance, further investigations are warranted. It is thought that the use of field and genetic analyses together to support each other will be an important detail for athletes to reach high performance.

Upper extremity physical performance tests in female overhead athletes: a test–retest reliability study

ObjectiveDespite the studies that have investigated the reliability of Upper Extremity Functional Tests(UEFTs), the reliability of Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability(CKCUES), Seated Medicine Ball Throw(SMBT), push-up(PU) and Unilateral Seated Shot Put(USSP) tests in overhead athletes has yet to be assessed. The objective of this study was to determine both the relative and absolute test–retest reliability of the four UEFTs in female overhead athletes.MethodsTwenty-nine female overhead athletes (age: 26.6 ± 5.29 years) underwent the four UEFTs twice within a three- day interval. The upper limb stability was assessed through PU and CKCUES tests, while the power was assessed though SMBT and USSP tests. The Intraclass Correlation of Coefficient (ICC) was applied to assess the relative reliability. Absolute reliability was determined by calculating the Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) and the Minimal Detectable Change (MDC). Furthermore, Bland–Altman plots were used to detect the agreements between the two measurements.ResultsThe relative reliability of PU, CKCUES, SMBT, and non-dominant arm USSP tests was excellent (ICC = 0.83, 0.80, 0.91, and 0.83, respectively). SEM was within a range of 1.69 to 1.72 for stability tests and a range of 13.61 to 52.12 for power (based on a 95% confidence interval). The MDC was 4.68 for PU and 4.75 for CKCUES test. At least four repetitions are needed to be considered a real improvement on PU and CKCUES tests. This value was 144.04, in SMBT and 59.03, 37.62 cm (dominant and non-dominant arm, respectively) in USSP tests, which represents the minimum change that must occur to be considered an athlete’s progression.ConclusionThis study revealed that both the upper limb stability and power tests have acceptable relative and absolute intra-rater reliability in female overhead athletes. These can be considered as reliable tools in research and clinical settings.

Identifying the ideal “body shape” associated with athletic performance using three dimensional (height, body mass and waist) allometry

ABSTRACT The purpose of the current study was to identify the most appropriate “body shape” associated with six athletic performance (AP) tests, using three-dimensional allometry (height (HT), body mass (M), and waist circumference (WC)), in a sample of Brazilian children and adolescents. The sample consisted of 11018 Brazilian children/adolescents (5147 boys) aged 7–17 years. The 6 AP tests were, a 20 m sprint test, an agility test, a 6/9 minute walk/run endurance test, an upper body strength test, an abdominal muscular endurance test, and a lower limb strength test. The “three-dimensional” allometric model was, . Results indicated that two of the three body-size dimensions (HT and WC) were consistently associated with all six athletic performance tests. These were a positive HT exponent/term together with a negative WC exponent/term, confirming that being taller benefited all six performance tests but excess WC was always detrimental. The contribution of M depended on whether the athletic performance required the children/adolescent to perform the exercise/test in a “weight-baring” protocol, i.e. having to perform the test carrying their own body weight or not. In conclusion, three-dimensional allometry provides new insights into what constitutes the “ideal” athletic shape associated with children/adolescents.

Is the isometric strength of the shoulder associated with functional performance tests in overhead athletes?

ObjectiveTo verify the association of the isometric strength of the shoulder external rotators (ER) and serratus anterior (SA) with the performance of functional tests CKCUEST, SMB-T, and USSP-T in overhead athletes. DesignCross-sectional study. ParticipantsEighty overhead athletes with no history of surgery in the upper and lower limbs and trunk in the past year, and no painful symptoms in the upper body during the physical assessment were included. Main outcome measuresPreseason assessment included isometric strength of shoulder ER and SA, and performance of the CKCUEST, SMB-T, and USSP-T. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify if the isometric strength of the shoulder ER and SA could explain the performance during the tests after controlling for sex. Results: The isometric strength of SA was associated (p < 0.05) with the SMB-T and USSP-T with 4% of explain. The isometric strength of the SA was not associated (p > 0.05) with the CKCUEST. The isometric strength of the ER was not associated (p > 0.05) with any of the tests. ConclusionThe isometric strength of the SA predicted the SMB-T and USSP-T performance. Isometric strength of SA and shoulder ER was not associated with CKCUEST results in athletes overhead.

Shoulder Strength and Upper Body Field Performance Tests in Young Female Handball and Volleyball Athletes: Are There Differences Between Sports?

Volleyball and handball players have usually been studied collectively as "overhead athletes," since throwing present similarities in the proximal to distal movement sequencing and upper limb joints ranges of motion. However, each sport presents specificities in the objectives when accelerating the ball and a variety of possible throwing techniques. Therefore, it is expected there may be differences in the shoulder and upper body physical performance between sports. The aim of this study was to determine if there are differences in shoulder muscle strength and upper body field performance tests between volleyball and handball athletes. Cross-sectional. Ninety-nine volleyball and handball female athletes aged between 13 and 20years were evaluated for isometric shoulder abductor and rotator strength (handheld dynamometer) and upper body field performance tests: Y Balance Test-Upper Quarter, modified Closed Kinetic Chain Upper-Extremity Stability Test, and unilateral and bilateral Seated Medicine Ball Throw. Handball athletes presented greater shoulder internal rotation strength (between-group difference: 2.84; effect size 0.70), higher medial (between-group difference: 9.54; effect size 0.90), superolateral (between-group differences: 8.9; effect size 0.68), and composite scores (between-group difference 5.7; effect size 0.75) of the Y Balance Test-Upper Quarter and higher unilateral (between-group difference: 41.92; effect size 0.91) and bilateral (between-group difference: 46.11; effect size 0.83) Seated Medicine Ball Throw performance. Groups were not different for Closed Kinetic Chain Upper-Extremity Stability Test, external rotation, and abduction isometric strength. Our findings suggest that young female handball athletes present greater internal rotator strength and better performance in Y Balance Test-Upper Quarter and Seated Medicine Ball Throw compared to volleyball players. These differences may be related to the different demands required in the throwing movements performed in each sport and should be considered when assessing these populations.

EXPLORING OF CHANGES OF ANTHROPOMETRIC STRUCTURES AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCES OF 8-13 YEAR-OLD MALE BASKETBALL PLAYERS

In the study, it was aimed to determine how the anthropometric structure and athletic performance elements of male basketball players changed in terms of age levels. The research group consists of male athletes between the ages of 8-13 who are licensed in the basketball. All athletes completed the anthropometric tests (stature, body weight, arm span, abdominal and triceps skinfold thickness and athletic performance tests (standing long jump, countermovement jump, maximum vertical jump, modified sit and reach, alternate wall toss, 20-m sprint and pro-agility). A significant difference was determined in the comparison of stature, body weight, arm span in terms of age groups in the research group. [respectively = F(3-72) = 71.954; 23.505; 63.109 p&lt;0.05]. A significant difference was found between the vertical jump, hand-eye coordination, speed, anaerobic power performances of the participants in terms of age levels. [respectively= F(3-72) = 19.871; 22.939; 16.253; 37.579, p&lt;0.05]. There was no significant difference between the groups in the flexibility variable in terms of age level (p&gt;0.05). The significant difference between the age groups in terms of broad jump (x2(2) = 13.340), maximum vertical jump (x2(2) = 24.087) p&lt;0.017) and agility x2(2) = 7.022, p&lt;0.017) are due to the 8-9 age groups and the 12-13 age groups. In conclusion, the change in the anthropometric structures of basketball players such as stature, body weight, and arm span increases in proportion to the increase in age levels. In addition, it is seen that all athletic performance parameters, except flexibility, increase with the increase in age level. From this point of view, especially the trainers working in the infrastructure should design their training programs by taking into account the developmental characteristics of the athletes.&#x0D; &#x0D; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0984/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

The relationship between core stability and athletic performance in female university athletes.

Questions remain as to whether core stability represents single or multiple components, how to assess core stability, and if a relationship exists with athletic performance in different sporting codes. To investigate the relationship between core stability and athletic performance in female university athletes. Eighty-three female athletes (hockey, netball, running, soccer and tennis) participated in this quantitative, cross-sectional study. The isometric back extension (IBE), lateral flexion (LF) and abdominal flexion (AF) tests were used to measure core strength and endurance. The core stability grading system using a pressure biofeedback unit was applied to measure core neuromuscular control (NMC). Athletic performance was assessed using the 40 m sprint, T-test, vertical jump (VJ) and the medicine ball chest throw (MBCT). Correlations between the core stability tests and the athletic performance tests were determined overall and separately by sport. The effect of core stability on athletic performance was analysed using ANCOVA. Overall for all sports, most correlations were weak (r=0.10-0.39), although there was a very strong correlation between LF (strength) and VJ (r=0.90). When the sports were considered separately, there were moderate correlations (r=0.40-0.69) between core strength, endurance and motor control with certain athletic performance tests in all five sport codes. In runners, strong correlations (r=0.70-0.89) were observed between AF (endurance) and VJ, and in tennis players between IBE (strength) and the sprint. Correlations were found between core stability and athletic performance, although most correlations were negligible or weak. Athletic performance in different sport codes is associated with different components of core stability.

The interaction of acute physical fatigue with three traditional functional performance tests and the reactive balance test

ObjectivesTo assess the impact of acute physical fatigue on traditional and neurocognitive functional performance tests in recreational athletes. Designrandomized counterbalanced cross-over study, pre-post design Settinglaboratory ParticipantsTwenty recreational athletes (age = 24 ± 3 years) Main outcome measuresWe evaluated fatigue impairments following a 30 s all-out effort in three traditional and one neurocognitive functional performance test. The traditional functional performance tests encompassed the single leg hop for distance (SLH), countermovement jump (CMJ) and Y-balance test (YBT). The neurocognitive functional performance test encompassed the reactive balance test (RBT). A 30 s modified Wingate was used to induce acute physical fatigue. ResultsAcute physical fatigue was successfully induced as indicated by a significant increase in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, blood lactate levels and rating of perceived exertion (p < 0.001). Acute physical fatigue induced significant decreases in RBT accuracy (p = 0.004) and SLH performance (p < 0.001). YBT, CMJ and RBT visuomotor reaction time remained unaffected by acute physical fatigue. ConclusionsAcute physical fatigue impairs SLH performance and decreases accuracy in the RBT. YBT and CMJ performance remained unaffected by acute physical fatigue. Clinicians should be aware of this divergent neurocognitive functional impairments caused by one all-out effort to allow well-informed selection of functional performance tests.

Effect of Ten Weeks of Creatine Monohydrate Plus HMB Supplementation on Athletic Performance Tests in Elite Male Endurance Athletes.

Creatine monohydrate (CrM) and β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) are common ergogenic aids in the field of sports and are frequently used in an isolated way. However, there are a few studies that have investigated the effect of combining both supplements on different variables related to performance, with controversial results. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and the degree of potentiation of 10 weeks of CrM plus HMB supplementation on sports performance, which was measured by an incremental test to exhaustion in elite male traditional rowers. In this placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, 10-week study, participants (n = 28) were randomized to a placebo group (PLG; n = 7), CrM group (0.04 g/kg/day of CrM; n = 7), HMB group (3 g/day of HMB; n = 7) and CrM-HMB group (0.04 g/kg/day of CrM plus 3 g/day of HMB; n = 7). Before and after 10 weeks of different treatments, an incremental test was performed on a rowing ergometer to calculate the power that each rower obtained at the anaerobic threshold (WAT), and at 4 mmol (W4) and 8 mmol (W8) of blood lactate concentration. There were no significant differences in WAT and W4 among groups or in body composition. However, it was observed that the aerobic power achieved at W8 was significantly higher in the CrM-HMB group than in the PLG, CrM and HMB groups (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.766). Likewise, a synergistic effect of combined supplementation was found for the sum of the two supplements separately at WAT (CrM-HMBG = 403.19% vs. CrMG+HMBG = 337.52%), W4 (CrM-HMBG = 2736.17% vs. CrMG+HMBG = 1705.32%) and W8 (CrM-HMBG = 1293.4% vs. CrMG+HMBG = 877.56%). In summary, CrM plus HMB supplementation over 10 weeks showed a synergistic effect on aerobic power (measured as WAT, W4, and W8) during an incremental test but had no influence muscle mass.

Effects of Various Work-to-rest Ratios during High-intensity Interval Training on Athletic Performance in Adolescents

To examine the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with different work-to-rest ratios on athletic performance in athletes. Forty-seven male Taekwondo athletes (aged 15-18 yrs) were randomly assigned into 3 HIIT groups and a control group. Each group performed 6 and 8 bouts of HIIT: 1) 1:2 (30:60 s), 2) 1:4 (30:120 s), and 3) 1:8 (30:240 s) groups while the control group performed only Taekwondo training program. All HIIT groups completed 10 sessions over 4 weeks. Athletic performance tests including VO2max test, Wingate anaerobic test, vertical jump, and agility T-test were measured at both pre- and post-tests. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA were applied to examine the performance changes between protocols. VO2max improved significantly in all HIIT groups (p<0.01), and the post-hoc test indicated that the only 1:4 group showed significant improvement compared to the control group. The HIIT with 1:4 ratio showed the effective protocol for enhancing anaerobic capacity including relative peak and mean power compared to control (p<0.01). Ten sessions of HIIT involving the 1:4 group, lasting over a brief 4-week period revealed the effective protocol for enhancing both aerobic and anaerobic capacity. Our findings provide practical implications to develop a performance-enhancing program specialized for adolescent Taekwondo athletes.

The Comparison of athletic and technical performances of pre-pubescent soccer players according to their positions

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the athletic and technical performances of pre-pubescent players according to their positions. Methods: Forty-five soccer players (age=10.4±1.70 years; sports age=3.1±1.42 years; body height = 141.1±13.12 cm; body weight = 34.6±10.15 kg) were participated in the study voluntarily. In the evaluation of athletic performance, speed, agility, balance, jump, shot strength and core strength tests were used. In the evaluation of technical performance, dribbling, ball control and passing tests were used. The average and standard deviation values of the variables were determined by descriptive statistics. The normality of the distribution was tested with skewness and skewness values, and all data were normally distributed. Therefore, O ne-Way analysis of variance was used to compare the data. Results: No significant difference was found in the comparison of the components of the athletic performances of the players according to their positions (p>0.05). No significant differences were found in the technical performance of dribbling, ball control and passing components (p>0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that there was no difference between athletic and technical performance values of the soccer players in the pre-pubescent period. Specially designed training programs that develop the athletic and technical performances required by the soccer players positions can contribute to the development of these characteristics.

Clinician-Friendly Physical Performance Tests for the Hip, Ankle, and Foot.

Do individual physical performance tests (PPTs) for the lower extremity have any relation to injury in athletes 12 years of age and older? The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to locate articles. Three databases were searched from inception to January 13, 2014: PubMed, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus. Search phrases were sport, athletics, athletes, and injuries combined with strength, power, endurance, agility, and function. Reference lists of all remaining articles and personal collections of the authors were then reviewed for any missing articles. Studies were included according to the following criteria: (1) published in English, (2) presented as complete articles (ie, no abstracts or posters), and (3) involved human participants. Studies were excluded on the following criteria: (1) a combination of PPTs was examined, (2) the results were measured using equipment that was expensive or not readily available to the average clinician, (3) the PPTs examined impairment-level data, (4) the PPTs examined tasks not relevant to the lower extremity, or (5) the participants scored 4 or less on the Tegner Activity Scale. The final analysis involved 31 studies. The name of the PPT and methods were extracted. Each PPT was then critiqued using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments, a 4-point Likert scale. Data were also summarized using a score of unknown, strong, moderate, limited, or conflicting for the best evidence synthesis. A total of 14 PPTs were examined; however, names and methods of the PPTs were inconsistent throughout the literature. In descending order, based on frequency of appearance in the literature, the PPTs were (1) 1-legged hop for distance, (2) vertical jump, (3) Star Excursion Balance Test, (4) shuttle run, (5) 6-m timed hop, (6) triple hop, (7) 40-yd sprint, (8) triple crossover hop for distance, (9) 6-m timed crossover hop, (10) T-agility, (11) hexagon hop, (12) medial hop, (13) lateral hop, and (14) multi-stage fitness (beep test). The Star Excursion Balance Test in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions was the only test that could help identify injury risk. The 1-legged hop for distance and hexagon hop showed a moderate ability to differentiate between normal and unstable ankles. In dancers, the medial hop in dancers differentiated between painful and normal hips with moderate evidence. Very little evidence supports the use of PPTs for athletes with lower extremity injuries. A panel of experts needs to standardize the names and methods of widely accepted tests.

Anthropometric and physical fitness parameters versus specific performance tests in Brazilian field hockey athletes: a pilot study

Summary Study aim: To investigate the correlation between anthropometric parameters, Sargent jump test, core muscles endurance and agility performance versus specific tests with and without a ball in female Brazilian field hockey athletes. Material and methods: Nine professional female field hockey players (age: 27.4 ± 2.5 years) participated in this study. Body height, body weight, body fat percentage, Sargent jump test (SJT), shuttle run agility test (SR), core muscular endurance tests and sport-specific tests - repeated sprint ability test (RSA) and repeated sprint ability with the ball (RSAB) - were assessed in a randomized order. Results: A moderate correlation was noted between SR and RSAB (r = 0.58, p = 0.09) and RSA (r = 0.60, p = 0.08). In addition, a moderate correlation was noted between percentage of body fat with RSAB (r = 0.59, p = 0.09) and with RSA (r = 0.72, p = 0.08). The other variables showed slight agreement or no agreement. Conclusions: These results indicated that the SR could be implemented in training and evaluation programs of hockey athletes due to the correlation with specific tests. Thus, the percentage of body fat was the only anthropometric parameter that showed a correlation with the specific tests, revealing the importance of maintaining a proper percentage of body fat for better performance in hockey.

Impacto del suministro de monohidrato de creatina en deportistas de canotaje / The impact of the supply of creatine monohydrate in canoeing athletes

RESUMEN El propósito de este trabajo fue determinar el impacto del suministro de monohidrato de creatina en deportistas de canotaje del programa CER del Instituto Nacional de Deportes de Chile en Talca. Fueron estudiados los sujetos que constituyen la selección regional de deportistas del programa. El procedimiento consistió en suministrar Monohidrato de Creatina en dos ciclos para fases de carga, mantención y sin aporte durante dos mesosiclos del período básico del Macrociclo 2012. Para evaluar el rendimiento deportivo se aplicaron test de Fuerza Máxima y Test de rendimiento específico en agua. Para determinar el nivel de esfuerzo se midió Creatinkinasa en sangre. Se evaluó además el porcentaje de masa grasa y encuesta alimentaria. Los resultados del estudio muestran mejorías significativas en niveles de fuerza máxima coincidentes con lo expresado en la literatura, aportando conocimiento nuevo respecto de los beneficios en pruebas anaeróbicas y de capacidad aeróbica para deportes naúticos de resistencia.ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the supply of creatine monohydrate in canoeing athletes belonging to the CER program of the National Sports Institute of Chile in the city of Talca. We studied the people who constitute the regional selection program for athletes. The procedure was to provide Creatine Monohydrate in two cycles during loading, maintenance and brazing for two basic mesosiclos in basic period of Macrocycle 2012. To evaluate athletic performance tests were applied maximum force and specific performance test in water. To determine the level of effort was measured in blood creatine kinase. It also assessed the percentage of fat mass and Food Survey. Study results show significant improvements in maximal strength levels consistent with what is stated in the literature, providing new knowledge on the benefits in anaerobic tests and aerobic capacity to endurance watersports.

Influence of Mulligan Ankle Taping on Functional Performance Tests in Healthy Athletes and Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability

Context:Ankle sprains or chronic ankle instability (CAI) is common in athletes and a common method for decreasing the effects of ankle instable is using tape.Objective:To determine whether Mulligan ankle taping (MAT) influenced the functional performance (FP) tests in athletes with and without CAI.Design:A cross-sectional study using a within-subject experimental design between four ankle conditions (taped and untaped, athletes with and without CAI).Setting:Research laboratory.Participants:Sixteen professional athletes with unilateral CAI (10 men and 6 women; age 23.2 ± 3 years, height 175.4 ± 10.3 cm, weight 73 ± 14.5 kg, and body mass index 23.8 ± 3.6%) and 16 uninjured professional athletes (10 men and 6 women; age 22.8 ± 1.7 years, height 173.6 ± 12.2 cm, weight 66.4 ± 11.4 kg, and body mass index 22.2 ± 3.3%) volunteered to participant in this study.Intervention:Mulligan ankle taping.Main Outcome Measures:FP tests including single leg hopping course, Figure-of-8 hop and side hop were measured for both the groups in two conditions: taped and untaped.Results:There were significant differences between injured and uninjured athletes in all FP tests (P &lt; .05). MAT significantly improved FP tests in both groups (P &lt; .05).Conclusion:We found that MAT can improve FP tests in athletes with CAI and uninjured athletes. Therefore, it seems that MAT can be an effective method for enhancing athletes’ performance in sports that require lateral movements.

Research-Grade Scoring for the Functional Movement Screen and Relationships with Athletic Performance Tests in Team Sport Athletes

Study background: There are limitations in using the traditional Functional Movement Screen (FMS) to identify deficiencies affecting athletic performance. Despite this, no research has analyzed the research-grade FMS scoring system with regards to athletic performance, where screens are weighted to increase their sensitivity. This research investigated relationships between the research-grade FMS and selected screens, with multidirectional speed and jump tests typically used to assess team sport athletes. Methods: Thirty-two male recreational team sport athletes were assessed in the FMS using research-grade scoring, and multidirectional speed (20-meter sprint; 505 change-of-direction speed test) and jump (bilateral and unilateral vertical, standing broad, and lateral) tests. Participants were dichotomized into higher-, intermediate-, and lower-performing groups according to overall research-grade FMS score to ascertain whether participants who scored better in the screens also performed better in the athletic tests. A one-way analysis of variance determined any significant (p<0.05) between-group differences for sprinting and jumping performance. Correlations (r; p<0.05), scatter plots and regression equations were calculated for selected individual research-grade scored screens (deep squat, hurdle step, and in-line lunge) and the performance tests. These screens were selected due to movement pattern similarities (i.e., lower-body triple extension) with sprinting and jumping. Results: There were no significant between-group differences in any of the multidirectional sprint or jumps tests. The deep squat positively correlated with the bilateral vertical and standing broad jump, and left-leg standing broad and lateral jump (r=0.37-0.52), although the explained variability from the regression equations were low (14-27%). The left-leg in-line lunge correlated with the bilateral and left-leg standing broad jump, and lateral jumps for both legs (r=0.38-0.50), with low explained variability (15-25%). Conclusion: Despite the increased scoring sensitivity, the research-grade FMS, and individual screens, have a similarly limited capacity to identify any movement deficiencies that relate to multidirectional sprinting and jumping in team sport athletes.

Reliability of Functional Performance and Neurocognitive Tests in Athletes with and without Functional Ankle Instability

Reliability of Functional Performance and Neurocognitive Tests in Athletes with and without Functional Ankle Instability

Core Stability Relation to Physical Performance in Some Collectivity Games

Study Design: Correlation study Objectives: To objectively evaluate the relationship between core stability and athletic performance measures in male collegiate athletes. Background: The relationship between core stability and athletic performance has yet to be quantified in the available literature. The current literature does not demonstrate whether or not core stability relates to functional performance. Questions remain regarding the most important components of core stability, the role of sport specificity, and the measurement of core stability in relation to athletic performance. Methods: A sample was thirty collegiate athletic, selected intentionally from the student athletes in Minia University teams, The athletic teams represented in the current study population included; men’s basketball (10), men’s Handball (10), men’s Volleyball (10). Participants performed a series of eight tests: Trunk Flexion, Back extensors, Right Flexion, Left Flexion, the forty yard dash, the T-test, vertical jump, and a medicine ball throw. Results: Correlations between the some core stability tests and each of the other four performance tests were determined . Conclusions: There appears to be a link between a core stability test and athletic performance tests; however, more research is needed to provide a definitive answer on the nature of this relationship. Ideally, specific performance tests will be able to better define and to examine relationships to core stability. Future studies should also seek to determine if there are specific sub-categories of core stability which are most important to allow for optimal training and performance for individual sports.